Window and operator therefor



Sept. 20, 1960- E. P. JONES wmnow AND OPERATOR THEREFOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 16, 1955 47' TOR/VEYS Sept. 20, 1960 E, P. JONES 2,953,368

' WINDOW AND OPERATOR THEREF'OR Filed March 16, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 :E m @cp "O\J. k jg 5142 522 312366192156' G55? J5? 35@ -F/G. 5 w

Sept. 20, 1960 E. P. JONES 259513,368

WINDOW AND QPERATOR THEREFOR Filed March 16,. 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 .6 210 F/G 14A 212 22 22,1552? 224 156 v ATTORNEYS Sept. 20, 1960 E. P.`JoNEs wlNno'w AND OPERATOR' TEREFOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 16, 1955 lll/M A TTORNEYS Sept. 20, 1960 E. P.`JoNl-:s 2,953,368

WINDOW ANO OPERATOR TEREFOR Filed March 16, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 EARL P JONES A 7' TOR/VE YS United States Patent Oiice Patented Sept. 20, 1960 WINDOW AND OPERATOR THEREFOR arl P. Jones, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., assigner to Gate City Sash and Door Company, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., a corporation of Florida Filed Mar. 16, 1955, Ser. No. '494,678

7 Claims. (Cl. 268-106) This invention relates to windows and window operating mechanism and particularly to motor operated mechanisms for opening and closing awning type windows.

The operating mechanism of the present invention is of general utility but it is partic-ularly suited for use with windows of the type including a substantially rectangular frame within which and on which are Ihung two or more window sashes. The sashes in windows of this type are pivoted about a horizontal axis near the upper eige thereof. Link mechanism is provided along the sides of the frame and the sashes to pivot the sashes outwardly about the upper pivot whereby the upper edgesV of the sashes will swing outwardly and upwardly about the pivot point adjacent the upper edges of the sashes. Such a window and link mechanism is shown in my copending U.S. patent application, Serial No. 432,269 led May 25, 1954, for Awning Window, now Patent 2,819,065 granted January 7, 1958. v

The present invention is particularly adapted yfor use in the window of this copending application and will be ydescribed in connection therewith. In the window illustrated in the copending application, a hollow sill is provided having a removable cover. The drive mechanism for the links operating the Window sashes is located within the hollow sill and access thereto can be gained by removing the cover from the sill. One of the preferred forms of drive mechanism illustrated in that copending application is a manually operated crank mechanism which can be serviced and bodily removed from the hollow sill upon removal of the sill cover.

The present invention provides an automatic electrical drive mechanism for operating the window sashes which can be readily installed upon rem-oval of the crank operated drive mechanism from the hollow sill. In such electrical drive mechanisms it is desirable that switch means be incorporated therein to limitthe maximum open and closed positions of the sashes. These switch means preferably take the form of microswitches which must occasionally be replaced because of the hard wear which the switches undergo in use. It further is desirable when the electrical drive mechanism is inoperative to be able to drive the sash operating mechanism manually by means of a crank while the electrical drive mechanism is disconnected.

Accordingly, it is an important object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical drive mechanism for windows of the type set forth; more specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide such an electrical drive mechanism which can be installed in a hollow sill windo-w simply by removing the cover therefrom and without removing the sill or other window parts from the building aperture.

Another object of the invention is to provide means to facilitate installing of electrical drive mechanisms `for window sashes in a hollow sill and particularly to provide means facilitating accurate positioning of the drive mechanism within thehollow sill.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an electrical drive mechanism for window sashes which has the gears and bearings thereof positioned within a housing formed of aluminum sheet metal stampings.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide in electrical sash operating mechanisms of the type set forth a spring release clutch which automatically disconnects the electrical drive from the remaining portions of the sash operating mechanism when a manual handle is inserted therein for manual operation of the window sashes and which further ejects the handle when the electrical vdrive is connected to the sash operating mechamsm.

A further object of the invention is to provide an electrical sash operating mechanism having limit switches to limit the extreme open and closed positions of the sashes in which the limit switches can be readily removed when required without readjusting the other parts of the operating mechanism.

These and other objects and advantages of lthe invention will be better understood lfrom a consideration of the following `description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals have been utilized to `designate like parts throughout:

Figure 1 is a partial view of a window having .a hollow sill with the electrical sash operating mechanism of the present invention installed therein and operatively connected to the window sashes;

Figure 2 is a partial view in vertical section with certain parts broken away of the window frame and sash operating mechanism illustrated in Figure 1 substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 2 2.

of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the gear box of the present invention with certain portions thereof broken away;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the gear box shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a front View with certain portions broken away .off the gear box illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a view in vertical section through the gear box of Figure 4 substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 6 6 of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a view in vertical section on la slightly enlarged scale of the gear box shown in Figure 3 substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 7 7 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a view in vertical section through a hollow sill having the sash operating mechanism of the present invention incorporated therein substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 8 8 of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a view in vertical section similar to Figure 8 substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 9 9 of Figure 1;

Figure l0 is .a perspective View of the retainer plate utilized to hold the electric motor forming a part of the sash operating mechanism of the present invention in operative position within the hollow window sill;

Figure 11 is a View of the first or master plate forming a part of the gear box housing illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure l2 is an exploded perspective view of the gear box including the housing and gears therein of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a partial cross sectional view of one of the ball rbearing races of the present invention substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 13 13 of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the plates forming the worm gear housing of the present invention; and r Figure 15 is a schematic electrical diagram showing downwardly and to Yly toward the associated room plurality the electrical connections within the sash operating mechanism ofthe present invention.

Although the sash operating mechanism of the present invention has general utility, it is particularly adapted to be used with a type of awning window having a covered hollow sill. Such an awning window is fully described in the copending patent application, Serial No. '432,269 identified above. Referring to Figures l and i2 of the present application, there is shown a window of the type set forth in the copending application and illustrating the sash operating mechanism of the present invention installed therein.

The window generally designated by the numeral is illustrated mounted in a precast cement frame 22 which is in turn supported by a building wall defining a window receiving aperture. The frame 22 is bevelled the right as at 24, the frame of window 20 completely filling and interfitting with the cement frame 22.

The frame of window 20 comprises generally a hollow horizontally disposed sill 26, a horizontally disposed head (not shown), and a pair of vertically extending jambs 28, only one of which'is illustrated in the drawings. The assembled frame is adapted to receive and support a .plurality of sashes such as the sashes 38 and 32 illustrated.

As is best seen from Figure 2, the hollow sill 26 comprises two elongated continuous aluminum extrusions providing a front piece 34 and a removable cover 36. The 'front piece 34 has a normally horizontally disposed bottom 38 upon which is formed a rear or inwardly' disposed upstanding Wall 411. Wall 411 is positioned inwardand is normally substantially concealed and surrounded by a masonry piece 42 which is provided with an inwardly directed iinishing sill piece 44. The forwardly or outwardly facing edge of bottom 38 joins a forward upstanding wall 46 inter- -mediate the ends thereof so that a downwardly extending ange 48 is provided to overlie and cover a portion of frame 22. Front wall 46 extends substantially parallel to rear wall 40 and is substantially higher than rear wall 40. The upper edge of front wall 46 is formed integral with a rearwardly slanting wall 50 having an upstanding terminating ange 52.

Flange 52 is preferably provided with means to receive a weather stripping 54 and is also provided with an inwardly directed ange 56 adapted to support the forward edge of cover 36. Cover 36 has -a vertical wall 58 having an overlapping connection as at 68 with the upper edge of wall 40 and a forwardly and downwardly extending top wall 62. The forward edge of wall 62 is adapted to cooperate with iiange 56 on the front piece `34 and receives therethrough a fastener 64 which interconnects cover 36 and the front piece 34. Piece 34 together with cover 36 forms a completely enclosed rigid hollow window sill 26 within which a major portion of the sash operating mechanism is mounted and concealed.

The jamb 28 is formed hollow and includes a main body 66 having a removable cover 68 mounted thereon. Attached to the forward wall of the main jamb body 66 is a channel 70 which has pivotally affixed thereto a hinge member 72 which carries and supports the sashes 30, 32 and the like. Each sash such as sash 30 has a of sash frame members including -upper frame member '74, a lower frame member 7 6, and vertical frame members 78 which support a glazing such as a piece of glass 80. Glass 88 is held in position on the sash frame by means of glazing strips 82.

Outward movement of sashes such as sash 36 is accomplished by means of an operating mechanism which includes a vertically movable channel 84 which carries a plurality of toothed racks 86. A channel 84 is provided v-for each side of the window sashes so that positive drive is given to both sides of the sashes during opening and 'lclosing movement thereof.

Each toothed rack 86 engages a toothed sector 88 which is pivoted to jamb 28 at point 90` for pivoting movement thereabout. Extending outwardly from one side of sector 8S is an operating arm e92 pivotally connected as at 94 to a link 96 pivotally attached to one side of sash 30 as at 98. Toothed sectors 88 are of the yieldable type described fully in the above identified application. Such yieldable sectors operate to close any normally operating sashes 30-32 completely even though one of the sashes is jammed in a partially opened position. More specifically, the sector 88 is provided with an aperture 89 in the center thereof positioned toward arm A92 and the teeth on sector 88. A shear slit 91 is formed in the material of sector 88 between the teeth of the sector and arm 92 and communicating with aperture 89. Normally the edges of the slit 91 abut each other so that there is no relative movement therebetween and any tendency to cause noise by chattering is eliminated. If the associated window sash is jammed in the open position whereby normally to prevent downward movement of rack 86, sector 88 can yield opening slit 91 and permit movement of rack 86 and the corresponding racks of the other sashes to the closed position whereby fully to close any window sash which is not jammed.

By means of the above described linkage, window 30 can be moved from the vertical closed position to the slanted open position by vertical movement of channel 84 and racks 86. Movement of channels 84 upwardly from the position shown in Figure 2 further opens sash 30 while downward movement thereof will pivot sash `30 toward the closed position.

In order to achieve the desired movement of channels 84 and the accompanying opening or closing movement of the sashes such as sash 30, further linkage is provided including a bell crank 101) positioned in hollow sill 26 on a bracket 102. Bell crank 106 is pivotally connected to bracket 102 as at 104 for pivotal movement thereabout. One arm of bell crank is pivotally connected as at point 106 to one end of a link 108 that is pivotally attached at point 1141 to the bottom end of channel 84. The other arm of bell crank 100 has pivotally attached thereto as at point 112 a link 114 which is operatively connected to the drive mechanism to be described hereinafter. When bell crank 100i is turned in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1, channel 84 and the associated racks 86 are moved upwardly to open the various sashes and clockwise movement thereof drives channels 84 downwardly to close the sashes.

A link 116 similar in structure and operation to link 114 is provided to operate a sash mechanism for the other side of the sashes similar to that described above with respect to Figures l and 2. The sash operating mechanism for the other side of the sashes is identical with the one which includes racks 86, bell crank 100 and links 108 and 114. Accordingly, a detailed description of the other side of the sash operating mechanism will not be given, it being understood that the construction thereof is identical with the one described heretofore.

According to the present invention, opening and closing movement of the links 114-116 is obtained from an electric motor generally designated by the numeral 118 which is operatively connected with gears positioned in gear box 120. The output of gear box 120 appears on two oppositely rotating plates 122 and 124 carry-ing pins 126 and 128, respectively, which are in turn pivotally received by the inner ends of links 116 and 114, respectively. A revolution of plates 122 and 124 from the position shown in Figure l gives a full opening movement for each of the attached sashes. Reverse rotation of plates 122-124 in the same amount serves fully to close each of the sashes.

The motor 118 is preferably a reversible electrical motor which can be powered from a 115 volt A.C. line. The output from motor 118 appears on a shaft 130 a press tit.

, aluminum stampings.

ceases f which is operatively connected to the gear box 120. The direction of rotation of shaft 130 can be reversed so that both opening and closing movement of the Window sashes can be obtained from the same motor. Referring to Figure 9, it will be seen that the dimensions of motor 118 are so chosen that it can be inserted within the hollow channel member 34 of the hollow sill when the cover is removed therefrom. Suitable positioning 'of motor 118 with respect to the hollow sill is achieved by means of a bracket generally designated by the numeral 132. Bracket 132 includes a'body 134 which engages one of the flattened sides Yof motor 118 and which carries on one end a right angularly disposed ange 136 and on the other end a second flange 138. The length of flange 136 is such that when lthe free edge thereof abuts wall 40 of the sill, body 134 supports motor 118 against front wall 46 of the sill.

Flange 138 carries on the upper end thereof an attachment ilange 140 provided with holes receiving a pair of self-tapping metal screws 142 which screw into apertures in a channel -1'44 which receives and supports the weather stripping 54 (see Figure 2). The free edge of ange 140 iits beneath the rearwardly directed upper flange 56 on front wall 46. Bracket 132 thereby serves to hold motor 118 in the desired adjusted position.

Output shaft 130 on motor l118 is operatively connected to a ilexible shaft 146 having a coupling 148 provided with a set screw 150 thereon (see Figures 3 and 4). Shaft 130' is received within coupling 1'48 and is xedly attached thereto by engagement with set screw 150. The other end of ilexible shaft 146 is received `by another coupling 152 which connects it with a worm 154. Worm 154 operatively engages a worm gear 156 fixedly mounted on a shaft 158 and retained thereon by Worm 154 is housed Within a metal block 160 suitably apertured and recessed to receive the worm and a pair of cylindrical bearing members 162 and 164 which rotatably support the ends of the worm. Block 160 is preferably formed of aluminum and the bearing members 162-164 are preferably formed of brass or some similar good bearing material.

p Block 160 and shaft 158 are mounted and enclosed within a subhousing generally designated by the numeral 166 which is made from a plurality of interconnected The shape and conliguration of the various stampings comprising housing 166 is best seen in Figure 14 of the drawings. More specifically six stampings designated by numerals 168, 170, 172, 174, |176 and 178 are provided. Block 160 is received within rectangular apertures 180 formed in plates 170, 172, 174 and 176. Worm gear 156 is similarly received a circular aperture 182 formed in plates -172 and 174 while the ends of shaft 158 are received in bushings 184 and 186 (see Figure 7) which are supported by certain of the subhousing plates. More specically, bushing 184 is supported by apertures 188 in plates 176 and 178 and bushing 186 is supponted by circular apertures 190 i-n plates 168 and 170. Plates 172 through 178 lare permanently secured together by four ilat headed rivets 192 which extend through apertures 194 formed in the various plates. Similarly plates 168 and 170 are secured' to each other and also to one of the plates of the main vgear housing by four iiat headed rivets such as rivets 196 v(see Figure 12) which pass through aligned apertures 198 in plates 16'8 and 170 (see Figure 14). The, as-

. sembly of plates 172-178 is secured to plates 168-170 by a plurality of bolts 197' passing through apertures 199 in plates 172 through 178 and threadedly engaging threaded apertures 201 in plates 168 and 170.

The driving connection is made from shaft 158 by means of a hexagonal pin 200 which passes through a hexagonal opening in the inner end of shaft 158 and into a hexagonal opening in a small gear 202. Gear 202 drivingly meshes with a gear 204 (see Figure 6) which permanently affixed thereto a small gear 206 and is V' Itr mounted upon a shaft 208. Gear 206 in turn meshes with an intermediate gear 210 mounted on a support shaft 212. Gear 210 has permanently aixed thereto a smaller gear 214 which meshes with a large gear 216. Gear 210 also meshes with a Second intermediate gear 218 carried by a shaft 220 and having ixedly attached thereto a small gear 222. Gear 222 -is in driving mesh with a large gear 224.

Large gear 216 is iixedly attached to plate 124 (see Figure l) and gear 224 is similarly xedly attached to plate 122. Consequently, when gear 202 is rotated clockwise as viewed in Figure l (counterclockwise as VieWe-d in Figure 6) plate 122 is rotated in a clockwise direction and plate 124 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction .through the gear train described above to move the window sashes toward the open position. Reverse rotation of gear 202 causes the gear train and plates '122-124 to rotate in opposite directions whereby to move the window sashes toward the closed position. Y

Referring now to Figures 3 through 8 and l1 through 13, the construction of gear housing and the manner of mounting the gears and other working parts therein will be described in detail. Gear box 120 is made from seven aluminum sheet metal stampings which are suitably apertured and arranged to receive and support the various gears and gear shafts described above. Referring to Figure l2, it will be seen that the seven plates are numbered 226, 22s, 23o, 232, 234, 236, and 23s. The construction of plate 226 is shown in Figure 11 wherein it is seen that the plate is generally rectangular in shape with the corners rounded and with suitable apertures formed therein. It is to this plate that subhousing plates v168 and 170y are attached by rivets 196 passing through vapertures 240. Also mounted on plate 226 are bronze bearing bushings 242, 244 and 246 which receive and rotatably support shafts 212, 220 and 208, respectively. Bushing 136 also extends through an aperture 248 therein.

Plate 228 is provided with a pair of openings 250 which form housings for gears 210 and 218 as well as .the gear 204. Another opening 252 is provided to receive bushing 186 therethrough. Mounted on plate 228 are two bushings 254 and 256 that receive shafts 258 and 260, respectively, which support gears 216 and 224, respectively (see Figure 6). Bushings 254 and 256 also extend into apertures 262 and 264 formed in plate 226.

The plates 230 and 232 are also generally rectangular in shape and have an outer coniiguration like plates 226 and 228. An enlarged aperture is formed in the center of each of these plates to receive therein another of the various gears which are contained within and supported by gear box 120.

Plates 234 and 236 are shaped similar in external outline to plates 226, 228, 230 and 232 and have two large circular apertures formed therein such as apertures 266 and 268 formed in plates 234 and 236, respectively (see ,Figure 13). The inwardly facing portions of plates 234 therefor. The inner race for ball bea-rings 270 is formed by .two plates 274 and 124 (mentioned above) which are circular in shape and are permanently secured together and to gear 216 by four ataheaded rivets 278. 'I'he outer circumferences of plates 124 and 276 have a partcircular depression formed therein which provides an inner race for the ball bearings 270. Plate I124 is provided with a part-circular cut out 280' through which ball bearings 270 can be introduced before plate 238 is assembled on plates 234 and 236. After plates 234, 236 and 23'8 have been assembled with the ball bearings 270 iu position, the ball bearings are held in position by the plates and by the inner race formed on plates 274- 124.`

Ball Ybearings 272 are also heldin position by a pair 7 of plates 122 identical in construction with plates 274-- 124 described above. Four tlat-headed rivets 284 hold plates 122 in `assembled relationship with each other and with gear 224.

Assembled plates 234 and 236 also carry bronze bearing bushings 285 and 287 to support one end of shafts 212 and 220, respectively, a bushing 289 to support one end of shaft 208 and a bushing 29:1 to support one end of gear 282.

Plate 238 serves as a cover plate and has enlarged circular apertures 286 and 288 formed therein through which project pins 126 and 128 iixedly attached to and extending outwardly from plates 122 and 124, respectively. Pins 126 and 128 actually extend through and connect with the gears 224 and 216, respectively, described above. An aperture 294 is also provided in plate 238 to provide access to the hexagonal opening in gear 202 (see Figure 7).

Formed around the periphery of plate 238 and each of plates 230, 232, 234 and 236 is a plurality of aligned apertures 296 which receive bolts 298 that hold the plates and the enclosed parts firmly assembled. Preferably the apertures 296 in plates 236 and 238 are countersunk so that flat-headed bolts 298 can be used therein.

Another pair of larger apertures 300 extend through each of plates 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236 and 238 to :receive threaded bolts 302, the outer ends of which are threadedly received in threaded apertures 304 in plates 226 and 228. The heads of bolts 302 are formed as cubes and are designated by the numeral 306. Each of the heads 306 has an aperture 308 therein extending perpendicular to the axis of the threaded bolt 302. When the housing 128 is assembled and placed within the hollow sill 26, the apertures 308 are positioned vertically and receive self-tapping metal screws 310 that thread into the bottom 38 of hollow sill 26 and thereby rmly position and attach housing 120 within the hollow sill 26.

Means is provided to deenergize drive motor 118 when the window sashes arrive at the maximum open position and when the window sashes arrive at the maximum closed position. To this end a bracket 312 is secured to plates 226 and 228 by means of a threaded bolt 314 received by threaded apertures in plates 226 and 228. Bracket 312 has two support arms 316 and 318 each of which support a micro-switch generally designated by the numerals 320` and 322, respectively. Each micro-switch includes a contacting roller 324 mounted upon a movable arm 326 which is normally urged outwardly to the position illustrated by switch 320 in Figure 4 by a spring y(not shown). Positioned beneath arm 326 is a plunger 328 which serves to open switch 320 when arm 326 is pressed thereagainst. A plurality of threaded bolts 330 suitably secure switches 320 and 322 to their respective support arms 316 and 318.

Actuation of switches 320 and 322 rat the proper time is accomplished by a cam 332 adjustably mounted on an extension of shaft 258. Cam 332 has a pair of cam surfaces 334 whicl are adapted to contact rollers 324 as is illustrated by the contact with the roller of switch 322 in Figures 3 and 4. Switch 322 is the limit switch operable to deenergize motor 118 when the sashes reach the fully closed position. The window parts are in the position shown in Figures l, 3 and 4 when the sashes are so closed. As the window opening mechanism is operated to open the sashes, cam 332 rotates in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 3 until it engages the rotating wheel 324 of switch 320. Switch 320` is positioned to cooperate with'cam 332 so that switch 320 is actuated when the sashes reach the fully opened position. At this time switch 320 opens the circuit to motor 118 stopping operation of the actuating mechanism.

The electrical connections which control the above operation are shown schematically in Figure l5 of the drawings. Motor 118 has a terminal 336 connected by a line 338 to one side of a suitable source of driving potential such as a volt A.C. line. The other side of this 115 volt A.C. line is connected by a line 340 to a terminal of a control switch generally designated by the numeral 342. Switch 342 is mounted in any convenient position such as adjacent the window. Switch 342 is a double pole double throw neutral return type switch and includes a pair of contacts 344 which when contacted by the switch blades 346 cause motor 1l18 to operate in a sash opening direction. Another set of contacts 348 is provided on switch 342 which when contacted by the switch blades 346 cause the motor to operate in a sash closing directio It further will be seen that the open limit switch 320 is in series with the contact 344 on switch 342 whereby to limit the `opening movement of the window sashes. More speciiically, it will be seen that the lower contact 344 is connected through a line 350 to one of the contacts within switch 320 and that the other contact within switch 320 is connected by a line 352 to Contact 354 on motor 118. Switch 320 is a micro-switch that is normally closed and is opened when cam 332 contacts roller 324.

The limit switch 322 is in series with contacts 348 on switch 342 which when contacted cause motor 118 to operate in a reverse direction. More specifically, the lower contact 348 is connected by a line 356 to one contact of switch 322 and the other Contact of switch 322 is connected through a line 358` to terminal 360 on motor 118. Switch 322 is also a micro-switch which is normally closed and is opened when the roller 324 thereof is contacted by cam 322.

The operation of the circuit of Figure l5 is as follows. The parts as -illustrated are in the closed position with the switch blades 346 in the neutral or non-contacting position. To open the window sashes, switch blades 346 are moved into contact with contacts 344 by moving the switch handle 362 which is connected to switch blades 346. When the switch blades 346 are moved against Vcontacts 344, a connection is made from the lower line of the potential source through line 340, switch blade 346, the lower contact 344 and line 350 to limit switch 320. Limit switch 320 has the other end thereof connected through line 352 to contact 354 of motor 118. As long as switch blades 346 are held against contacts 344 motor 118 will be operated in a sash opening direction. The operator can stop the movement of the sashes at any desired point or can hold switch 342 in the open position until cam 332 opens limit switch 320. As has been explained above limit switch 320 is opened by cam 332 when the sashes arrive at the full open position. Opening of switch 320 interrupts the circuit to motor '118 and stops movement of the sashes.

Meanwhile cam 332 h as moved away from roller 324 on limit switch 3212. Accordingly if the switch blades 346 are moved against contacts 348, motor 118 will be connected across the potential source and will run in a sash closing direction. When the sashes arrive at the fully closed position, cam 332 will have rotated into contact with wheel 324 of switch 322 whereby to open switch 322 yand stop operation of drive motor 118.

An important `advantage of utilizing limit switches 320 and 322 in controlling the operation of the sashes lies in the fact that these switches can be quickly replaced without adjusting the setting of cam 332. This is important since switches 328 and 322 are subjected to a large amount of wear and in general are a portion of the window mechanism which most rapidly wear in use.

In the event that the drive for the windows from motor 118 becomes inoperative because of failure of switch 320 or 322 or for any other reason, it is desirable that means be provided to operate the sash opening mechanism manually` To this end the hexagonal opening in gear 202 positioned toward plate 238 (see Figure 7 particulaIly) can be engaged by the hexagonal end of a hand crank generally designated by the numeral 364. `Since the motor is connected to gear 202 through a non-reversing Worm and worm gear connection by the hexagonal pin 200, it is necessary to remove this connection before gear 202 can be moved by crank 364. In order to make this possible shaft 158 is formed hollow to receive pin 200 therein whereby to disconnect pin 200 from gear 202. It is necessary however to insure engagement between pin 200 and gear 202 when the motor is used to open and lclose the sashes and it further is desirable to make the disconnection of pin 200 responsive to insertion of crank 364 into gear 202. Accordingly pin 200 is formed with a substantially circular head 366 received in a circular opening 368 formed in shaft 158. Normally pin 200 is urged into engagement with gear 202 by a spring 370 held in position by a pin 372 held in place by a cotter pin 374. Head 366 is restrained in movement to the right as viewed in Figure 7 by la shoulder formed on shaft 158. Pin 200 has a plunger 376 formed on the other end thereof adapted to engage crank 364 so that insertionrof crank 364 in the hexagonal opening within gear 202 moves the hexagonal portion of pin 200 to the left as viewed in Figure 7 against the action of spring 370 a sucient distance to disengage pin 200 from gear 202. After this disengagement crank 364 acting through gear 202 is operative to drive the sash actuating mechanism in either the opening or the closing direction.

An important feature of the present invention resides in the fact that the motor 118 and the gear box 120 together with the necessary interconnecting parts can be readily installed within the hollow sill 26 by simply removing cover 36 therefrom and without further dismantling the sill or any other portions of the window.

More specifically, the motor 118 and gear box 120 can be inserted in place of the crank actuating mechanism illustrated in the co-pending patent application, Serial No. 432,269 identilied above by simply removing cover 36 and taking out the gear box and linkages up to but not including the bell cranks 100. The gear box 120 of the present invention can then be inserted through the opening left by the removal of cover 36 and positioned within hollow sill 26. In order to insure proper positioning of gear box 120, bottom wall 38 of the sill is preferably provided with a pair of spaced apertures which are provided therein before final assembly of the sill with the other Window parts in anticipation of eventual conversion of vthe sash operating mechanism from manual to automatic operation. A pair of removable pins 378 and 380 (see Figure are provided in suitable apertures in the bottom of gear box 120, these pins being insertable into the apertures in bottom wall 38 of sill 26 whereby properly to position gear box 120 within the sill. After gear box 120 has been properly positioned by means'of pins 378 and 380, self-tapping screws 310 can then be put in position whereby fixedly to attach gear box 120 to the hollow sill 26.

Motor 118 canA then be slipped through the opening provided by cover 36 and into the hollow sill 26 after which the shaft thereof is connected with coupling member 148. With motor 118 properly coupled, retaining bracket 132 is placed in position and secured to the hollow sill by means of the self-tapping screws 142. Links 11'4 and 116 are then connected to the crank arms 100 and pins 128 and 126, respectively. It is to be noted that links 114 and 116 are bent intermediate their ends as at point 382 on link 114 (see Figure l). The bends 382 properly align the ends of links 114 and 116 disposed toward the bell cranks and yet provide clearance for motor 118 and gear box 120.

Motor 118 has been previously wired to the limit switches 320 land 322 vand is then wired to the control switch 342. This completes the installation of the automatic actuating mechanism within window sill 26. It will be seen that the removal of the manual actuating mechanism and its replacement with an automatic actuat- 10 ing mechanism has been accomplished without disassembling the Window with the exception of removing the sill cover 36. The various parts of the automatic actuating mechanism can likewise be removed for repair or replacement Without disassembling the window.

It will be seen that there has been provided a window actuating mechanism which fuliills all the objects and advantages set forth above. Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown for purposes of illustration, it is to be understood that various changes and modications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

A1. An awning type window comprising a frame including a hollow sill with a readily removable cover and hollow side jambs, a sash hingedly mounted on said frame for swinging movement with respect thereto, sash operating mechanism positioned within said hollow sill and said hollow jambs, electrical motor means mounted within said hollow sill for operating said sash operating mechanism, said electrical motor means being readily installed on removal of the sill covers in said hollow sill and removed therefrom and la connecting unit readily installed on removal of said cover in said hollow sill and removed therefrom and having means for connecting said motor means to said sash operating mechanism.

2. An awning window comprising a metal frame including opposite hollow metal jambs, an elongated hollow metal sill between the lower ends of said jambs, and a head member between the upper ends of said jambs, said jambs and sill being in open communication internally with each other and having detachable cover plates extending substantially the entire length thereof on the room Vside of said frame, a sash hingedly mounted on said4 frame for swinging movement with respect thereto, a sash operating mechanism mounted inside said hollow jambs and said hollow sill, an electrical motor unit insertable into the hollow sill when the sill cover plate is removed, ran elongated speed reducing unit insertable into the hollow sill when the sill cover plate is removed and having input and output connections connectible to said sash openating mechanism and said motor through the aperture covered by said sill cover plate, and manual roperating means engageable through an opening in said `sill being in open communication internally with each other and having detachable cover plates extending substantially the entire length thereof on the room side of said frame, a sash hingedly mounted on said frame for swinging movement with respect thereto, sash operating links operatively connected to said sash and positioned in said jambs and extending downwardly into said hollow sill, a gear box insertable into the hollow sill when the sill cover plate is removed, connecting links interconnecting said gear box and said sash operating links, an electric motor insertable into said hollow sill when said sill cover plate is removed yand operatively connected to drive said gear box, and means for detachably securing said gear box and said electric motor within said hollow sill for removal when said sill cover plate is removed.

4. An awning window comprising a metal frame including opposite hollow met-al jambs, a hollow metal sill between the lower ends of said jambs and a head member between the upper ends of said jambs, said jambs vand sill being in open communication internally with each other and having detachable cover plates extending `substantially the entire length thereof on the room side of said frame, a sash hingedly mounted on said frame for swinging movement with respect thereto, sash operating links operatively connected to said sash and positioned -in said jambs and extending downwardly into said hollow sill, a gear box insertable into the hollow sill when the sill cover plate is removed, connecting links interconnecting said gear box and said sash operating links, an electric motor insertable into said hollow sill when said sill cover plate is removed and operatively connected to drive said gear box, and limit means detachably mounted within said hollow sill and detachably connected to said gear box and said motor for removal and replacement when the sill cover plate is removed and operative to deenergize said electric motor when the sash reaches the fully opened position and when the sash reaches the fully closed position.

5. An awning window comprising a metal frame including opposite hollow metal jambs, ian elongated hollow metal sill between the lower ends of said jambs and a head member between the upper ends of said jambs, said jambs 4and sill being in open communication internally with each other and having detachable cover plates extending substantially the entire length thereof on the room side of said frame, a sash hingedly mounted on said frame for swinging movement with respect thereto, sash operating links operatively connected to said sash and positioned in said jvambs and extending downwardly into said hollow sill, an elongated gear box insertable into the hollow sill when the sill cover plate is removed, connecting links interconnecting said gear box vand said sash operating links, a thin electric motor insertable into said hollow sill when said sill cover plate is removed and operatively connected to drive said gear box and detachably secured to said sill, a pair of limit switch means including microswitches detachably mounted within said hollow sill for removal and replacement when the cover plate is removed, and a cam driven from said gear box and engaging said micro-switches, said micro-switches being connected in circuit with said electric motor, one of said micro-switches deenergizing said motor when said sash reaches the fully opened position and the other of said micro-switches deenergizing said motor when said sash reaches the `fully closed position.

6. An awning window comprising a metal frame including opposite hollow metal jambs, a hollow metal sill between the lower ends of said jambs and a head member between the upper ends of said jambs, said jambs and sill being in open communication internally with each other and having detachable cover plates extending substantially the entire length thereof on the room side of said frame, a sash hingedly mounted on said frame for swinging movement with respect thereto, sash operating links operatively connected to said sash and positioned in said jiambs and extending downwardly into said hollow sill, a

gear box insertable into the hollow sill when the sill cover plate is removed, connecting links interconnecting said gear box and said sash operating links, an electric motor insertable into said hollow sill when said sill vcover plate is removed and operatively connected to drive said gear box, a bracket mounted on said gear box, `a pair of micro-switches detachably mounted upon said bracket for removal and repl-acement when the sill cover plate is removed, and a cam driven by said gear box `and engaging said micro-switches, said micro-switches being connected in circuit with said electric motor, one of said micro-switches deenergizing said motor when the sash reaches the fully opened position and .the other microswitch deenergizing said motor when said sash reaches the fully closed position.

7. An awning window comprising a metal frame including opposite hollow metal jiambs, an elongated hollow metal sill between the lower ends of said jambs and a head member between the upper ends of said jambs, said jambs and sill being in open communication 4internally with each other and having detachable cover plates extending substantially the entire length thereof on the room side of said frame, a sash hingedly mounted on said frame for swinging movement with respect thereto, sash operating links operatively connected to said sash and positioned in said jambs land extending downwardly into said hollow sill, an elongated plate-,like gear box unit insertable into the hollow sill when the sill cover plate is Aremoved and having input fand output connections, connecting links detachably interconnecting the output of said gear box and said sash operating links, -a thin electric motor insertable into said hollow sill when said sill cover plate is removed and detachably connected to the input of said gear box, bracket means for detachably securing the motor in the sill, said sill having gear box positioning apertures, and pins engageable at one end in said apertures in said hollow sill and at their other ends in ysaid gear box accurately to position said gear box within said sill for connection of the input and output to the motor and the sash operating links when the sill, cover plate is removed.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,108,328 Carnahan Feb. l5, 1938 2,345,594 Gardner n Apr. 4, 1944 2,516,090 Kor July 18, 1950 2,539,585 Maier Jan. 30, 1951 2,635,485 Gravenstine et al.Y Apr. 21, 1953 2,637,547 Schottenberg May 5, 1953 2,665,904 Lehmann Jan. 12,1954 2,690,336 Belmont Sept. 28, 1954 2,758,834 Sanford et a1. Aug. 14, 1956 2,772,578 Kling Dec, 4, 1956 2,819,065 Jones Jan. 7, 1958 

